Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Agree to Keep Shipping Open Amid West Asia Crisis
Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Agree to Keep Shipping Open Amid West Asia Crisis
India pushes for open sea lanes and stable energy supplies as Modi talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the Gulf crisis and a coordinated regional response.
In a phone call underscoring India’s energy and diaspora interests in the Gulf, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the ongoing West Asia conflict and the need to keep shipping lanes open.
Modi has spoken to leaders of all GCC countries since the crisis began, and India has reiterated its condemnation of violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while refraining from commenting on certain external actions in the region, such as the US-Israel strikes on Iran.
Officials say the talks highlighted the importance of securing gas, fuel, and other essentials that could be disrupted by the conflict, and stressed robust coordination between the central government and the states to safeguard shipping and maritime operations.
On the broader front, the call mirrors a wider push by New Delhi to balance regional security interests with energy needs and to reassure the Indian diaspora working in Gulf states.
Both leaders reportedly reaffirmed the goal of ensuring free navigation and stable energy infrastructure, while exploring practical steps to keep trade and supply chains moving despite volatile regional tensions.
With tensions flaring in West Asia, the dialogue marks another step in close India-Gulf diplomacy as the two countries work to align on maritime security, energy supplies, and quick-response mechanisms.
